CMG DMing Chat session archival thread

The topic we will explore Mon, Jan 13th 7pm central US will be Magic Item Creation: Striking a Balance

You can scroll down to see the topics from past sessions and check out the transcripts from those shows.

What are the CMG DMing Chat Sessions?

We, as a group, will be discussing many subjects having to do with preparing and running a game of D&D. We get started around 7pm (central USA time) every other Monday night and will run all as long as the discussion is flowing. They will be loosely moderated, open discussions and it always helps to have your rules books on hand. These sessions are developed so that we all can learn from one another, share our experience and tackle issues as a group. Please, join us no matter if you are new to DMing or a veteran.

How do you get there?

If you use an IRC client-

server: chat.psionics.net
port: 6667
channel: #CMG

Alternately...

Psionics.net provides a java chat page for those without an IRC client:

Mon Nov 4, 2002A discussion about introducing new material into an ongoing campaign.

Mon Nov 18, 2002Plot Hooks: Approaches Both Obvious and SubtleA round table discussion about how to approach setting up plot hooks and how to adjust them for various groups.

Mon Dec 2, 2002Plots Beyond the Hooks: How Much to Prepare?A round table discussion about how to prepare in advance of the session and some suggestions on links and ways to prepare for your games.

Mon, Dec 16, 2002DM Tools: Player Campaign InputAn inside look at the beginnings of a campaign being played online with DM Jonathan Brock (AKA Enrious).

Here are the links to the CyberCon Seminar transcripts housed in this thread.

Fri Oct 25, 2002NPCs: From the Inside, Out - An examination of the inner motivations of fantasy/medieval NPCs; How to build them with plausible interests and plans.

Sat Oct 26, 2002When PCs aren't the Center of the Universe - A fantasy/medieval d20 game doesn't need to revolve completely around the PCs. In fact, your world can be more compelling if the PCs need to work their way into the world to have an impact!

Sun Oct 27, 2002Operation Left Turn: Plot Twists on the Fly - Despite all planning, the players often find a way to move beyond your preparations. This is an examination of how to avoid strictly funneling the players to only what you have set up in advance.

What topics will be discussed in future CMG DMing Chat Sessions?

That's up to you! Feel free to use this thread to suggest topics for discussion. We'll collect them here and announce the topic(s) prior to the chat session (most often on that Monday.) Sometimes when we have a special guest, we'll announce that in advance of the chat session to give people a bit more time to make arrangements to be present.